Humanity in a Creative Universe is yet another insightful general science book from Stuart A. Kauffman that challenges at the same time it informs. This is not a simple read but it is also not a particularly difficult read either. Any additional information the reader needs to look up will be richly rewarded by Kauffman's integration of that knowledge into a larger narrative.

There are plenty of reviews that address the particulars of the science discussed, each reflecting both the reviewer's interests as well as the author's work. If the main thing you are looking for is a good book that provides wonderful discussions on topical scientific issues, this book will absolutely satisfy that desire and I highly recommend it on those terms. Rather than mention any specific areas I found especially interesting I'll give my own big picture takeaway from the book (which may or may not coincide with another reader's reception).

As we have gained so much knowledge and answered so many questions, and of course generated many more questions to be answered, we have become so focused on the particular, on the minuscule in some ways, that we seem to almost be following a guide that says "once you have ascertained x, your next goal is to ascertain y." This is not entirely bad, we have to build on what came before. The danger, to paraphrase an old saying, is that we could lose sight of the forest for the trees. It is in looking larger that we can use our creativity most effectively. So we make discoveries at the nano scale, excellent and important, but in addition to pointing toward the next discovery at that scale we need to see what it might say or suggest about, for example, the organism as a whole, about the ecosystem as a whole, etc.

I don't want to put words in Kauffman's mouth or claim my understanding as his purpose. What I want a potential reader to take from this review is that this book can make you think, can perhaps make you see whatever it is you do from a different perspective as well as teach you something about science. In doing so, it might (re)kindle your creativity and help to make your life, life in general, and society better. I know, this is beyond the intended scope and may just be me blathering about the effect it had on me. But hey, its my review and this was what I got from the book.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )